The Great Palace of Constantinople

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Great Palace of Constantinople


Here is where His Most Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of the Latin Empire, resides and rules from. The Great Palace of Constantinople has been the seat of power for many Roman and Byzantine Emperors of the past. An aura of ancient and great power is felt within the throne room as the image of many grand emperors, such as Constantine 'the Great', Justinian 'the Great', Heraclius, Basil 'the Bulgar-Slayer' and even the Komnenus Emperors, is brought to ones mind. Such a palace is fit for a Latin Emperor and his royal family to rule over this Empire of Latins.

Each reigning Emperor may choose to live in specific palace.
This Emperor resides personally in the Boukoleon Palace, and holds court in the Great Palace of Constantinople.

Reigning Emperor: Bohemond I de Lusignan
Reigning Empress: Heir(s) of the Empire:
- Princess Philippa de Lusignan (Sister of the Emperor)

[Lucius Malfoy]

With the palace mostly cleaned up and tallies were being done on the treasury and personnel, Bohemond settled himself within the Throne Room. Heralds, knights and courtiers assembled with small boxes stacked and scrolls prepared. It had been a lot of work to do this, but the Emperor was ready to dispense titles to his noble and loyal Crusaders. He had a courtier do a tally on chests and scrolls to make sure everything was present.

[Zeus Almighty]

Ricco arrived upon hearing word of ceremony. Ricco had preferred to not be far from the new crowned Emperor, he was a man of more humble beginnings than others, he did not wish to be forgotten. He was determined to make a better life for him, and any that fall under him. He may have lost his faith, but he was still a man of honor.

[Zectorman]

Alexandros made his way into the palace after a night of enjoying the spoils. A long night of looting many small churches not yet touched by the forces of the larger lords forces, and taking a nice church for his own; His fortunes had grown but no where near those of the other lords of the new Empire. His hunger still stung in the pit of his stomach, a hunger he reasoned would never be truly satisfied. He had plans to absorb certain Venetian sacked parts of the city, since no one would want them.....but that was for another time. Not having any real cloths other than what he had been wearing for the crusade, and after finding a few greek "indentured" servants to clean his equipment and clothing, he walked towards the Venetian he had met last night. Of course he bowed towards the Emperor before speaking with the man. "Hail fellow Venetian, I do not believe I had the honor of introducing myself. I am Alexandros Badaurio, once of Venice."

[Zeus Almighty]

Alexandros made his way into the palace after a night of enjoying the spoils. A long night of looting many small churches not yet touched by the forces of the larger lords forces, and taking a nice church for his own; His fortunes had grown but no where near those of the other lords of the new Empire. His hunger still stung in the pit of his stomach, a hunger he reasoned would never be truly satisfied. He had plans to absorb certain Venetian sacked parts of the city, since no one would want them.....but that was for another time. Not having any real cloths other than what he had been wearing for the crusade, and after finding a few greek "indentured" servants to clean his equipment and clothing, he walked towards the Venetian he had met last night. Of course he bowed towards the Emperor before speaking with the man. "Hail fellow Venetian, I do not believe I had the honor of introducing myself. I am Alexandros Badaurio, once of Venice."

Ricco turned around and nodded his head at the new comer. He remembered him from the night before, yet he was unable to truly discern much from his manner, Master Alexandros, it is an honor to formally meet your aquaintance. I am Ricco di Monte. At least that is what I have been dubbed, as I am from the mountains north of Venice. How faired you, Master Alexandros, after the battle?

[╬Ritterbruder╬]

Godfrey as well made his way to the throne room after receiving the emperor's message. He was dressed in battle armour: full mail and surcoat and helm under his arm. There were still several slight smudges of blood on the body of the golden lion on his surcoat, but his servants had managed to clean the vast majority of dirt and gore off it. Still, it was blood spilt in the emperor's name. His arm had pretty much healed up, but was rather stiff, so Godfrey let his left hand rest on the hilt of his sword. Only Bertrand accompanied him, he had given the rest of his men leave again, since most of them didn't have fully recuperated from the battle yet.
He knew it was possible Bohemond still held a grudge against him, yet he hoped he wouldn't be put to idle in the city, his men had signed up for action, as had he.

[The Stig]

Simon arrived fairly early, eager to receive what land and title he could. He had lost much during the siege, but his concerns went deeper than a simple desire to be rewarded. He needed somewhere with room to expand, land to conquer from the Greek successor states. Only then could he sure that his dynasty would prosper in this strange, foreign country.

[Honors Bastion]

Simon de Provence arrived at the Great Palace with cousin Rolland in tow. Like the many other Crusader lords, Simon had come to the palace to see what titles and land the emperor would bestow on him for service during the siege. He had come with very little expectations as he knew men were fickle and their minds changed so quickly in chaotic event such as this. Simon arrived to the palace dressed in his armor, which had been cleaned and polished the night before, the blood and dents have been removed. He wore a tabard over his armor, displaying his Houses colors. He entered the palace, informed a guard of his arrival, and waited patiently to meet with his new emperor.

[Adamat]

Cristoforo had not yet shown himself. He would soon make his entrance, though, when the ceremony would be in full progress. He couldn´t risk the Venetians getting wind of what was really going on.

[Zectorman]

Alexandros shrugged, "Well, the mission I had been given was a ....dirty one. Just being able to wash off the filth from last night was enough to put my mind at some ease. I think I have done well, with arriving in this crusade with nothing but my sword, tabard and name then came out the other end of the fire with some new wealth and a possibility for new land. Though I might not have much now....I have dreams Brother Ricco. Of course from what I hear from other Venetians, you are a great lord among men. You have the loyalty of many of us, which is something to say considering we come from a republic! Anyone that can gain the rust of so many Venetians has mine as well. I might not have much in terms of power, but I think i make up for it in a good sword arm and a keen sense of strategy both on and off the battlefield."

He had heard of Ricco from many Venetians from the pillaged streets and from the haggard hungover voices of his men. He took part in one of the larger battles and was honored by the Emperor himself with a palace of his own. He has accomplished so much, if he was to get anywhere in his short life it would be through him. He would never trust any other lord here, but this was a Venetian, and an honorable one which was a true rarity from what he knew.

[Jokern]

Arvid arrived at the Imperial Palace with a couple of his men tailing behind. He had cleaned himself, his clothes and his armour. Now everything shined in the sun. Looking acceptable was important at ceremonies, especially one where you could receive titles and land. Many oter nobles had arrived already, but since Emperor Bohemund hadn't begun the ceremony yet, it didn't matter.

[Zeus Almighty]

Ricco smiled kindly at the comment by Alexandros concerning his newfound fame, Yes, I was blessed with the Palace of Mangana, but only after those who call me Sire, secured all rioting and looting or the Palace and the Monastery of St George. I give much thanks to my men, without them I am nothing. I also lost many at the Ricer Lycus. Many friends, good men. I do still lament the losses.
Ricco said, slightly sullen. His night was ridden with nightmares of Isidros death, of the boy crushed by catapult fire. He would wake with night sweats many times the night before.
Still, I have been blessed with skill with a sword as well. God has seen fit that I be able to ignite the fire and passion in men to action, in contrast to inaction. I only hope I continue to be blessed. Our people, us Venetians, have a long way to go in the ways of gaining the respect of many of those around us. We have a long road ahead of us Master Alexandros. Speaking of which, you sell yourself short, you have been welcomed into the Emperors presence and graces as much as I have I think. It is only a matter of time before your star rises in the sky.

[Zectorman]

Alexandros smiled, even against his ambitious natures, he liked this man. He shrugged his shoulders as if unsure of his future. "I might be here in court but you might be too generous with your assessment You have earned much favor with the Emperor while my own endeavor for him ended in failure. Not only thus, but his recent interactions with La Serenissima has probably cast a shadows over his opinions of Venetians. You have earned your favor, I on the other hand have much more work to do. But I do intend to work hard my new friend. And if my star should rise, I would Venetian lords like yourself with me."

[Zeus Almighty]

Ricco nodded to the respect of the Emperors interaction with the Doge. Things may come to a head with Venice one day. If it does, the Emperor will need us. There may be many that will be persuaded of our Emperors just rule simply by our presence among his ranks. We can help others quell the resentment many Venetians will feel toward the Franks after this battle. I am no Lord yet, Master Alexandros, I was awarded a great palace yes indeed, but no land is not mine to claim the title Lord. I feel that through loyalty and hard work, we can show these Franks the worth of Venetians.
Ricco lowered his voice to a soft whisper and peered around for a split second,
Also never forget to keep an eye on the honors others receive as well, that you may be able to gauge your accomplishments and rewards to others will show the depth of our Emperors generosity.

[Dirty Chai]

Philippe d'Alencon strode into the Golden Hall, and kneeled before the Roman Throne, as requested.
"Imperator, I am yours to command."

[Ganbarenippon]

Roland watched from next to his cousin. He was by the far the youngest man here, and had not commanded men in the battle. He neither expected nor asked for anything but he understood that was the way of these things. 'One day though, this will be me.' He thinks, but today was to be for his cousin and Roland wished to witness that.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The place falls silent as a royal herald steps forth with a scroll in hand. The attention turns to the Emperor as Bohemond remains quiet, letting the herald open his scroll and speak aloud.

In this year of 1204, in which the mighty and most pious host of the Fourth Crusade stormed the impenetrable walls of Constantinople, jewel of the Ancient World and Gateway to the East, His Most Imperial and Righteous Majesty, Boamundus Lusignanum, Imperator of the Latin Empire, Emperor of the Romans and Conqueror of Constantinople, wishes to dispense honors, titles and land to those who faithfully served the Crusade's cause and commanded her pious troops into the city.

Philippe d'Alençon: In honor of his achievement in capturing the Imperial District and the Great Palace, Philippe d'Alençon is hereby awarded the Lordship of Philippolis with the city of Philippolis as his headquarters. Philippe d'Alençon is also appointed to the office of Chancellor upon the Haute Cour

Cristoforo Soranzo: In honor of his loyal support towards His Imperial Majesty, Cristoforo Soranzo is awarded the title Count of Naxos with the city of Naxos as his headquarters. Cristoforo Soranzo is hereby nominated as Spymaster upon the Haute Cour

Arvid Eriksson: In honor of his loyal support towards His Imperial Majesty, Arvid Eriksson is awarded the title Baron of Petra to serve Roger de Rochechouart as his loyal vassal

Roger de Rochechouart: In honor of his superior commanding skills during the Assault upon Blachernae, Roger de Rouchechouart is awarded the County of Thessalonica with the city of Thessalonica as his main holding

Simon di Napoli: In honor of his loyal support towards His Imperial Majesty, Simon di Napoli is awarded the Barony of Larissa to serve Roger de Rochechouart as his loyal vassal

Simon de Provence: In honor of his noble feats in the Battle of the Fifth Military Gate, the Assault upon Lycus and the Counterattack upon Lycus, Simon de Provence is hereby awarded the County of Adrianopolis with the city of Adrianopolis as his headquaters, where he shall serve as a loyal vassal to Philippe d'Alencon. Simon de Provence is also nominated to the office of Seneschal on the Haute Cour

Roland de Provence: In honor of his loyal support towards His Imperial Majesty, Simon di Napoli is awarded the Barony of Boukelon to serve Simon de Provence as his loyal vassal

Athelstan Wreak: In honor of his loyal support towards His Imperial Majesty, Athelstan Wreak is awarded the Barony of Philia to serve as a direct and most loyal vassal to His Most Imperial Majesty. Athelstan Wreak is also awarded the office of Constable upon the Haute Cour

Ricco da Monte: In honor of his loyal support towards His Imperial Majesty, Ricco da Monte is awarded the County of Negroponte with the city of Euripos as his headquarters.

Godfrey of Leuven: In honor of his loyal support towards His Imperial Majesty, Godefrey of Leuven is hereby granted the title Barony of Neapolis to serve as a direct and most loyal vassal to His Most Imperial Majesty

Alexandro Baduario: In honor of his loyal support towards His Imperial Majesty, Alexandros Baduario is hereby granted the title Barony of Oreoi to serve as a loyal vassal to Ricco da Monte

All praise the generosity of His Most Imperial Majesty, Bohemond I de Lusignan! May you will rule and prosper within this most noble Empire of Latins.

The herald rolls up the scroll as Bohemond begins to have servants dispense symbols of office and land deeds.

OOC: Hopefully I didn't forget anyone except a few people who have been inactive.

[Ganbarenippon]

Roland beamed at Simon when he heard the title he was granted, as well as the position at court. 'Well deserved of that there is no doubt.'
"Roland de Provence..." The blood as pounding in his ears as he listened to the herald. 'A baron? Me?' He stood in a sort of dumb shock. He had never in his life expected to be granted a title, he had hoped but never truly believed. As the news took hold he noticed Simon looking back at him, grinning like a child. Roland grinned back, before remembering that his cousin was now his liege. He tried to straighten his features but could not seem to despite his best efforts. 'Roland; Baron of Boukelon. What would father say?'

The list of names drew to a close and Roland joined the others in kneeling before the throne and pledging his fealty to the Emperor.

[Dirty Chai]

Philippe d'Alencon, the new Duc de Philippe, stands and exclaims, "All hail the Most Catholic Emperor of Constantinople!"
The courtiers echo his cry, saluting.

Philip was more relieved now, as he could finally leave the city and go west. But he would need to convince others to go with him.
Those two Venetians might go, and that new Count of Thessalonica might be convinced.

[Zectorman]

Alexandros grinned in satisfaction.....Oreoi....Castel Del Rio.... Progress, and thank god he at least served a good man. "All hail the Emperor!" he exclaimed in enthusiasm. The Negroponte....One of the bigger island in the Aegean at least! But the problem was taking it....A point he must discuss with his new Lord Ricco. He turned to his new liege-lord, "Well my lord Ricco, it would seem we will be seeing alot more of eachother in the coming days....And in truth, I am relieved it turned out this way. Now we have the challenge of actually taking your county..."